December 22nd. By the fire
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"Here," Peter murmured as he placed the thick blanket over his brother, who was sat on the sofa in front of the fire. "You still seem cold."
Edmund bit his lip, smiling weakly at his brother as Peter sat beside him. "Thanks." He murmured, slowly pulling the blanket up to his chin and wrapping it a little around himself.
Peter stared at him for a while, before he took a deep breath. "You feeling okay," He murmured. "After last night..."
Edmunds eyes slipped shut.
Last night had been the first nightmare he'd had since the weeks following Beruna, and it just happened to be a horrifying one that left him scared beyond words. He had tried to act brave, but it had just been too much.
He'd guessed by this point he was reacting badly to the newly fallen snow, and even looking at the white stuff made him think of the Witch.
He'd found a new disliking for what used to be his favourite season, and he hated it.
"I'm okay yeah," Edmund whispered eventually, opening his eyes and trying to give Peter a convincing smile.
Peter hesitated. "Because if you're not, I'm here if you need to talk..." He said slowly.
Edmund couldn't help but smile weakly at this, and slowly nodded his head. "Thank you." He whispered, his voice sincere.
Peter smiled softly back, before taking a deep breath. "Lucy will be back in from playing in the snow soon," He said carefully. "Then what do you say we go make hot chocolate."
Edmund wanted to say yes, but he was still feeling slightly sick from the night before, so slowly shook his head. "I'm not feeling up for hot chocolate," He murmured. "Maybe a cup of tea though."
Peter looked concerned, Edmund never said no to hot chocolate.
"I'm alright Peter," Edmund said quickly. "Just, feeling a bit sick still okay?"
"Okay," Peter whispered after a short pause, sitting back. "Mind if I stay with you until Lucy comes in?"
Edmund almost chuckled. "Of course I don't mind." He breathed, throwing some of the blanket over his older brother and giving him a greatful smile.
Peter smiled back, and the two sat there by the fire for ages, before Peter noticed Edmund had actually fallen asleep.
He stood slowly, being extremely careful, and tucked the blanket around him.
Placing a kiss to the top of his head he brushed his hair back and sighed a little. "You stay here and keep warm," He whispered. "And everything will be absolutely fine in the end, I promise you."
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